Getting Started - Guide Up

So now you've been out on the river and seen what it's all about. At this point, you'll have some idea if this whole fly fishing bug has bitten. If you're like most, at this point you're itching to hit your local outdoor store and drop a small fortune. Don't. Save your dollars, I'll help you spend them later.

At this point, you want to learn, so it's time to look for a guide and do a trip or two. You'll learn, grow, and gain confidence from this investment, You'll also get a better sense for what sort of gear you'll need to invest in. Guided trips aren't cheap, but they'll accelerate your learning curve like nothing else.

But, you're going to need to make some decisions to help you connect to the right guide. What do you think you'd like? Is there a specific river or region you want to fish? A species you're especially intrigued with? A style of fishing you think is cool from what you've read or heard? Any of these things can help you narrow your search for a guide.

While most guides will fish a wide range of species, locations, and styles, most of the established folks have something they're truly known for. And, some are just known for their instructional skills. This is where your newfound network of fly fishing friend are invaluable. Much like choosing a doctor, you're looking for a combination of technical skills and a personality and style you connect with.

Once you've narrowed your selection, talk to a couple -- and by a couple I mean 2-3, not 18. The best way to leverage your investment is to communicate with your guide and let them know your skill level, your interests, and what you'd like to learn. As a personal sidenote; if you're left-handed make sure you say so. It's easier to learn with a rig you can reel properly, but we're in the minority so this gear's not always on-hand unless you say something. A good guide wants to give you an exceptional experience so you come back, and tell your friends. The more you communicate your expectations, the better they can exceed them. After a brief conversation on the phone, at a show, or a lecture, you'll likely know who's your best choice. They'll be able to help you pick a date and location.

Now that you've hired a guide, get out there! Embrace the day as a learning opportunity. If you picked the right guide and the planets align you'll likely get to experience catching some fish. While hiring a guide isn't a guarantee -- a lot of factors are beyond their control -- your odds go way up versus trying it on your own. I put in a LOT of river hours before I caught fish solo. I got my first steelhead on my first ever guided trip and all subsequent days.

Pay attention during your day. Part of what you paid for is to learn and you will if you're listening and asking follow-up questions when you're not clear. An experienced guide has thousands of hours of experience. Whether it's a stronger, more easily tied knot, or a suggestion of a good learner rod, they'd been there, done that.

Did you have fun? Good. That's the point. Perhaps during the day you talked with the guide about something you wanted to try. If so, and you can afford it, you might do another day in another location or fishing a different style. This will give you some background that will help guide your subsequent purchases as you gear up for yourself.

Finally, tipping is part of the guide experience. But don't base your tip on results. A good guide with a skilled client will usually catch fish. You're not a skilled client. It's your guide's job to maximize your opportunities, it's your job to land fish. Plus, don't become a "counter". Nobody wants to fish with that guy. So base your tip on the guides efforts, their teaching style, and how they worked to make your day a success. Also, factor in your economic situation. If you roll up in a Range Rover, smoke a $20 cigar, and hit the guide with a ten spot at the end of a great day, that may not be well-received.

Congratulations -- you're on your way. Up next? Gearing up with the basics.

-Sean-